AN ACT Relating to supporting special needs students; and adding new sections to chapter 28A.320 RCW.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1.  A new section is added to chapter 28A.320 RCW to read as follows:

(1) Beginning in the 2016-17 school year, a school district must prepare a postsecondary transition plan for a high school student who qualifies under section 504 of the rehabilitation act of 1973. The student's high school and beyond plan, or similar plan required by the state board of education for high school graduation, may be used to comply with the requirements of this section.

(2) The postsecondary transition plan required under subsection (1) of this section must include:

(a) The student's postsecondary goals, which must be (i) measurable, (ii) based on appropriate transition assessments related to training, education, employment, and independent living skills, as necessary, and (iii) based on the student's needs, while considering his or her strengths, preferences, and interests;

(b) The appropriate accommodations, services, and supports needed by the student to achieve his or her postsecondary goals; and

(c) Ways the student can connect with the community, government, and educational resources needed by the student to achieve his or her postsecondary goals.

(3) Every year that the student is in high school, a discussion must take place with the student, the student's parents or guardians, and others as needed, to determine or update the student's postsecondary transition plan required under subsection (1) of this section. This discussion may be included as part of an annual section 504 plan meeting, high school and beyond plan meeting, or any other meeting that includes the student, his or her parents or guardians, and school staff.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 2.  A new section is added to chapter 28A.320 RCW to read as follows:

(1) Beginning in the 2016-17 school year, when the primary language of a child's parent or guardian is a language other than English, a school district must:

(a) Provide an interpreter at each meeting related to such student's individualized education program or plan developed under section 504 of the rehabilitation act of 1973; and

(b) Translate such student's individualized education program or plan developed under section 504 of the rehabilitation act of 1973 into the primary language of the child's parent or guardian.

(2) In order to comply with the requirements of subsection (1) of this section, a school district is encouraged to collaborate with an educational service district and community partners on language translation and interpreting services.

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